A series of bombings in Iraq killed dozens of people earlier today. These attacks are following closely on the footsteps of major battles between government forces and insurgents in the cities of Ramadi and Fallujah as sectarian violence rises across Iraq to levels not seen since 2007. 

Iraq’s once glorious capital city, Baghdad, was especially hard hit, as eight car bombs took place in quick succession, killing nearly 30 people and wounding dozens more. 

According to the United Nations 7,818 civilians were killed in 2013, but almost 800 of those came in the month of December. 

These bombings come as government security forces remain in a standoff with the Sunni militants who seized control of the city of Fallujah weeks ago. 

Prime Minister Nouri Maliki has made bold claims about eradicating the al-Qaeda affiliated Sunni’s, but has stopped short of allowing an assault on Fallujah, saying that residents must be the ones who force the group out. In doing so, Maliki has essentially forfeited possession of Fallujah to the militants, at least for the time being. 

In a somewhat confusing statement, Maliki argued that what was happening in Anbar province - Iraq’s largest province, and the home of Fallujah - had “no relation to Iraqi problems.”

As violence continues to spread across Iraq, the question of possible international assistance will no doubt be raised. However, there is very little likelihood that there is any will at all among those nations in a position to contribute to the security of Iraq to send help.

Almost certainly, the future of the security Iraq is going to remain in the hands of the Iraqi security services and the Iraqi government. While there are many good reasons to doubt the ability of the latter, given the proper direction and orders the security services ought to be able to overpower the militants currently in possession of Fallujah. 

This requires, however, a functional government populated by functional representatives, something Iraq has found hard to come by given the ancient divisions between the various cultures encompassed by the country of Iraq.

Keep an eye on Iraq over the coming months, as they may prove to be some of the most crucial since the United States pulled out of the country. 

Read the full story on the BBC, and find more at USA Today.

Reach Executive Producer Christopher Coppock here.